As the President of the Board of United Suicide Survivors International, I am pleased to announce our partnership with the University of Rochester Center of Excellence and SafeSide Prevention to explore the potential and feasibility of implementing Community-Led Safe Spaces. Inspired by the successful model introduced by Roses in the Ocean in Australia, these Safe Spaces provide an alternative to conventional supports like emergency departments and crisis stabilization units to individuals experiencing a suicidal crisis.
At these Safe Spaces, peers with personal lived experiences form the dedicated staff, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy. Typically located in residential or storefront areas, these spaces are designed to be easily accessible and less stigmatizing for individuals seeking support. It's important to note that Safe Spaces do not involve healthcare interventions or hospital referrals, making them an inviting option for those in need. Safe Spaces may be especially impactful in rural communities with sparse health and mental health services. We are seeking your input and ideas around this initiative at an upcoming listening session.
LISTENING SESSION:
July 26th, 8:00 p.m. EST/7:00 p.m. CST
ZOOM LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88302814932pwd=emRjaUxzYy8wUlRtN2d6Q3U3REE4Zz09
Meeting ID: 883 0281 4932
Passcode: 955675
SURVEY: If you cannot attend the listening sessions, there is an alternative way to provide feedback and input on Community-Led Safe Spaces via THIS SURVEY>>
Thank you for being a part of this work; your voice, ideas, and experiences are invaluable to this emerging idea.
For more information, contact:
Anthony R. Pisani, Ph.D. ABPP
tony.pisani@safesideprevention.com
Professor, Psychiatry (Psychology) and
Pediatrics Center for the Study and Prevention of
Suicide, University of Rochester Medical Center
Founder, SafeSide Prevention
Heather Zelle, J.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Research
Department of Public Health Sciences
Associate Director of Mental Health Policy Research
Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy
zelle@virginia.edu